REMINDER: Registration Closes September 26 for Free Pesticide Disposal Events

Deadline approaching for Maine’s Obsolete Pesticide Collection Program

AUGUSTA — September 11, 2025 — The Maine Department of Agriculture, Conservation and Forestry’s Board of Pesticides Control (BPC), in partnership with the Maine Department of Environmental Protection, reminds homeowners and family-owned farms that pre-registration is required by Friday, September 26, 2025 to participate in the free, one-day obsolete pesticide collection events taking place in October in Presque Isle, Bangor, Augusta, and Portland. Drop-ins are not permitted.

Who can participate

• Maine resident homeowners and family-owned farms

What’s accepted

• Obsolete or unwanted pesticides and spray adjuvants, including herbicides, insecticides, rodenticides, fungicides, and disinfectants

How to register (required by Sept. 26)

• Visit thinkfirstspraylast.org to complete the inventory form and registration instructions

• Note: Registrations must be submitted by the person currently possessing the pesticides. Materials collected on behalf of others will not be accepted.

Why it matters

Improper disposal of pesticides can pollute soil and water and pose risks to people, pets, livestock, and wildlife. Since 1982, Maine’s program has safely diverted more than 250,000 pounds of hazardous pesticides from the waste stream. Collected materials are handled by a licensed hazardous waste contractor and transported to specialized, out-of-state disposal facilities that meet strict environmental standards.

Use, storage, and disposal tips

Always read and follow pesticide label instructions. For additional guidance, visit the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency: www.epa.gov/safepestcontrol/safe-disposal-pesticides.

Media Contacts:
Karla Boyd — [email protected]
Jim Britt — [email protected]

Photo courtesy: Maine Board of Pesticides Control Click the image to download a full-sized photo.